Fighting For Normal

The New Guy's Gaze

The lunch bell finally rang, marking the end of a tough morning filled with nonstop classes. I survived Algebra II, US Government, Physics, and Art History I, trying to catch up on assignments I had missed. Even though my brain felt exhausted, the real pain was in my left thigh, which was still sore from volleyball practice earlier today. "It's just muscle soreness," I told myself as I navigated through the packed hallway toward the cafeteria.

We usually sat at a table by the windows, where we could see the school courtyard. Noelle waved me over, her cheerful vibe lighting up the room. Stetson was already in the middle of a playful debate with Maekynzie, their different personalities always creating a funny clash. Emory was trying to balance a milk carton on his nose, which made Tinsley roll her eyes with sarcasm. And then there was Chandler, just being himself, leaning back in his chair with that chill attitude that always helped me relax.

I flopped down on the bench next to him, feeling the exhaustion of the morning hit me. My head rested on his shoulder, and the familiar smell of his cologne was really comforting. On my tray, there was a not-so-appetizing pile of mystery meat next to some lumpy mashed potatoes and a sad little salad. Not the best meal, but it would do.

"Had a tough morning?" Chandler asked, his voice deep and soothing, sending a little shiver through me.

I scanned the crowd, my eyes finally settling on Tahni's table. She was leaning in close to Evan, fluttering her ridiculously long eyelashes and laughing at everything he said. He hardly returned the smile, his gaze darting around the room like he was looking for a way out. He seemed completely uninterested and uneasy.

A small spark of amusement bubbled up inside me. Tahni might have been the popular girl at our school, flaunting her bleach-blonde hair, designer outfits, and endless cash from her dad, but she couldn't hide the desperation in her eyes. In reality, she was just a mean, shallow, and fake girl who used to be part of our friend group – and Chandler's girlfriend – until she decided to hook up with the whole football team.

My gaze locked with Evan's from across the room. He looked intrigued, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. I quickly looked away, hoping Tahni wouldn't catch on. But, of course, she did.

With a dramatic flip of her hair, Tahni seized Evan's hand and strutted over to our table. "What's up, losers?" she mocked, her tone oozing with sarcasm. "This is Evan, my boyfriend. He just moved here from California."

Evan rolled his eyes and shook off her grip. "I'm not her boyfriend," he said, a playful tone in his voice. "We just bumped into each other, and she insisted I sit with her."

Tahni laughed, giving his arm a patronizing pat. "Oh, come on, Evan." Just then, her crew walked in, and she grabbed his hand again. "Let's go, I want you to meet my friends," she said, pulling him away before he could say anything. He glanced back at us, silently pleading, "Help me."

I couldn't help but laugh. It looked like Tahni had finally met someone who could handle her.

Chandler let out a snort, a playful grin creeping onto his face. "Looks like someone's getting a taste of their own medicine," he said softly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He nudged my shoulder in a friendly way, and I couldn't help but smile back at him. Even with the dull ache in my leg, his touch brought a warm feeling inside me.

"Wow, she's brutal," Stetson remarked, shaking his head in disbelief. "That poor guy never had a chance."

"He'll figure it out," I replied, a trace of sympathy in my tone. "Welcome to Sierra Vista High, where the queen bee rules." But as I spoke, I felt a strange pang in my chest. Was it... jealousy? I quickly brushed the thought away, focusing instead on the comforting presence of Chandler's arm next to mine.